At A Glance

Samsung is using digital marketing to drive sales of its flagship smartphones, the Galaxy S8 and S8+, in Thailand. The company says the sales success was helped by its digital strategy “to progressively continue rolling out communications and marketing activities through popular online channels and social media platforms such as Facebook and YouTube”.
The company said that in line with the smartphone’s lifestyle concept “Do What You Can’t”, Samsung “has created a special activity called ‘S8 Hunt’ to keep consumers engaged with the launch hype, opening a chance for participants to win the ‘Samsung Galaxy S8’ phones. 
“With such strategic employment of digital marketing campaigns, the response from consumers was remarkable with over 50 per cent increase in search volume after the launch of the smartphone – a vital factor to push forward successful results for the Galaxy S8 and S8+ in the Thai market.
Wichai Pornpratang, corporate vice president, IT and mobile communications, Thai Samsung Electronics Company Limited, said: “Social media is a absolutely inevitable part of modern consumers’ lifestyle today. Statistics from the Electronic Transactions Development Agency (Public Organization) showed an increase of the average hours a Thai person uses the internet, from 5.7 hours per day last year to 6.2 hours per day this year. 

KBank targets 200,000 stores with QR code payment system

Kasikornbank (KBank) has launched “K Plus Shop”, a QR code mobile payment technology which is the first of its kind in Thailand, to facilitate business transactions. It allows users to pay instantly via scanning.
 “The service targets three groups of merchants relating to food and beverage (F&B), retail fashion and daily commuter services,” the company said.
“ QR code payment service will debut at more than 10,000 stores in three locations – Siam Square, Chatuchak Weekend Market and Platinum Fashion Mall Pratunam – before expanding nationwide by year-end. KBank targets more than 200,000 merchants with Bt800 million in transaction value by the end of this year.”
Patchara Samalapa, senior executive vice president, KBank, said: “KBank is ready to provide QR code payment service to stores via the application, the first app to receive electronic payment via QR code scan which is convenient for merchants. Meanwhile, users can employ QR code reader features on any mobile banking app to be scanned at the merchant’s QR code to make payment and the merchant can accept electronic payment instantly. In the future, Chinese tourists travelling to Thailand can pay their bills via QR code scan by using their popular apps namely Alipay and WeChat.
“K Plus Shop thus offers an option which allows customers to pay their bills with convenience, speed and security, representing an innovation to drive Thailand towards being a cashless society in accordance with government policy. 
“K Plus Shop will boost merchants’ potential and opportunity to sell their goods and services, driven by the growing popularity of mobile banking. Consumers increasingly conduct their financial transactions via smartphone, as seen by a 50 per cent rise in mobile banking users in the entire commercial banking |system in 2016.

Shell woos drivers with motor oil promotion

Shell Helix, a motor oil product from Shell, is offering a promotion to motorists so that they will ready for all weather conditions. With every purchase and engine oil change using 4-litre Shell Helix Ultra or 6-litre Shell Helix Ultra Diesel, customers will receive a rainproof golf umbrella. 
“In addition, with every purchase and engine oil change using 4-litre Shell Helix HX8, 6-litre Shell Helix HX8 Diesel, 4-litre Shell Helix HX7, 6-litre Shell Helix HX7 Diesel or 4-litre Shell Helix HX7G – customers will receive a portable fan,” the company said. “The promotion runs until October 31, or while stocks last”

Tesco Lotus eyes 150,000 visitors for trade exhibition

Tesco Lotus is collaborating with suppliers and product manufacturers across Thailand to hold the “Tesco Lotus Expo 2017” from November 9-12.
“The trade exposition will be one of the largest and most exciting shopping and lifestyle events of the year, featuring more than 500 booths in 20,000 sq m of space at Impact’s Challenger Hall 2,” the company said. “The retailer expects to welcome upwards of 150,000 visitors over the span of four days.” 
Sompong Rungnirattisai, commercial director, Tesco Lotus, said: “As Thailand’s leading retailer, Tesco Lotus is committed to helping customers save every day through providing great quality products at affordable prices at all 1,900 stores and online shopping channels.
“This year, we want to introduce fresh, new perspectives and shopping experiences for customers. Therefore, we are collaborating with our suppliers, farmers, SME and OTOP operators, and product manufacturers across Thailand to host the first ever Tesco Lotus Expo 2017.
“The trade exposition and lifestyle event is the first of its kind in our history. The 20,000 sq m of space will be transformed under the concept Good Eats, Good Living, Good Community. At the event, visitors will be spoiled for choice when it comes to tasty food, unbeatable shopping, and fun activities for all members of the family. 
“Tesco Lotus along with our partners will offer a variety of great quality products at fantastic prices at more than 500 booths, ranging from fresh food, imported fruits, dry groceries, fashion items, electrical appliances, and home decor. ”